Facial reducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic device including a thin sheet of relatively nonporous plastic material, such as polyethylene, and two pressure pads, each pad comprising a hand-size resilient pad with relatively rigid shell adhered to one major surface. The plastic sheet is placed across the face below the eyes, above the eyes, against the cheeks or any location on the face or neck where reduction is desired, and the pressure pads are placed thereon with the other major surface pressed against the cheeks to produce heat with pressure, causing perspiration and temporary decrease in the volume of fatty areas beneath the sheet. Application of the device is accompanied, preceded and/or followed by exercise of the facial muscles. Each pressure pad is a sponge rubber or the like material of convenient size and thickness to be held in the hand. The relatively stiff shell is provided with elongated stiffening ribs and with slots to permit limited vapor permeation therethrough. Each shell has a partial skirt extending around a portion of the sponge rubber to control the distortion of the sponge rubber as it is placed against the face. In another embodiment each hand-held pad is provided with a sheet of nonporous plastic partially surrounding and attached to the pad and shell. The separate sheet is dispensed with. The above can be used in conjunction with steam generating means.

United States-Patent [191 Welch I [54] FACIAL REDUCING APPARATUS [76] Ralph E. Welch, 914 Winthorne Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37217 Filed: Apr. 2, 1973 Appl. No.: 346,961

Inventor:

US. Cl 128/24.1, 128/256, 128/293 Int. Cl A61h 29/00 Field of Search l28/24.l, 65, 268, 380,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,473,926 6/1949 Wesley 128/163 3,195,539 7/1965 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 233,722 7 1925 Great Britain 128/163 Primary ExaminerLawrence W. Trapp v j Attorney, Agent, or FirmRoylance, Abrams, Berdo & Kaul 57 ABSTRACT Hyman .[128/256' A cosmetic device including a thin sheet of relatively.

' Sept'.3, 1974 nonporous plastic material, such as polyethylene, and

' two pressure pads, each pad comprising a hand-size resilient pad with relatively rigid shell adhered to one major surface. The plastic sheet is placed across the face below the eyes, above the eyes, against the cheeks or any location on the face or neck where reduction is desired, and the pressure pads are placed thereon with the other major surface pressed against the cheeks to produce heat with pressure, causing perspiration and temporary decrease in the volume of fatty areas beneath the sheet. Application of the device is accompanied, preceded and/or followed by exercise of the facial muscles. Each pressure pad is a sponge rubber or the like material of convenient size and thickness to be held in the band. The relatively stiff shell is provided with elongated stiffening ribs and with slots to permit limited vapor permeation therethrough. Each shell has a partial skirt extending around a portion of the sponge rubber to control the distortion of the sponge rubber as it is placed against the face. In another embodiment each hand-held pad is provided with a sheet of nonporous plastic partially surrounding and attached to the pad and shell. The. separate sheet is dispensed with. The above can be used in conjunction with'steam generating means.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEUSE'P 31914 3832995 ISIEU'IBF 2 m -ml FACIAL REDUCING APPARATUS This invention relates to cosmetic apparatus and, more particularly, to means for causing a temporary reduction in the volume of certain fatty areas of the face by heat and pressure.

It has been recognized that heat and pressure can, when consistantly applied to fatty tissues, cause a reduction in the volume thereof. Although the physiological mechanism by which such reduction is accomplished is not fully understood, it appears to be partially through moisture loss. For whatever reason, it has been found that such pressure can be helpful in reducing such areas in the face and neck, which reduction significantly improves the appearance of individuals in whom such conditions have become a source of embarrassment. I

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide means for applying heat and pressure to such areas, reducing them by the application of known physical principles. A

Briefly described, the apparatus includes at least one thin flexible sheet of nonporous material to be placed against the users face or neck,.and two pressure pads to be placed and pressed against those portions of the sheet which cover the cheek areas. Each of the pressure pads includes a resilient, compressible body of foamed spongy material having a major surface generally parallel with the contours of the cheeks and a support shell adhered to'the outer major surface away from the cheeks, the shell being of relatively stiff material, the shell having means defining a plurality of elongated ribs to increase the stiffness thereof. The shell can also be provided with a plurality of elongated slots to permit limited vapor permeation and the pads can be used in conjunction with steam generating means.

In order that the manner in which the foregoing and other objects are attained in accordance with the invention can be understood in detail, particularly advantageous embodiments thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of an apparatus according to the invention as applied to a users face;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevation of a single pressure pad useable as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation, in section, and in exploded view, of the pressure pad of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pressure pad of FIG. 2;

FIGS. '5 and 6 are front elevation and bottom views, respectively, of a further embodiment of, the-invention; and

, FIG- 7 is an illustration of the apparatus of FIGS; 1-6 used with steam generating means.

. Turning now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment the apparatus as applied to a users face including a relatively thin sheet 10 which is placed across the users face in the cheek regions and below the eyes, thesheet having a major left-hand portion 11 and a major right-hand portion 12 with an interconnecting portion 13 of a narrower dimension to span the nose without inhibiting breathing. Portion l3 maintains the side portions in their proper orientation adjacent the checks. The sheet 10 is of thin, flexible material such as polyethylene, but can be of any substantially'nonporous flexible material, itsmajor function being to inhibit air circulation infthe' vicinity of the cheeks and to thereby cause increased perspiration and the greater utilization of body heat in the vicinity covered. Portion 13 extends across the nose. and

flexes sufficiently to conform to the specific facial sion herein will be limited to application to the users cheeks. v The apparatus further comprises pressure pads indicated generally at 14 and 15, which pads are placed on the sheet portions 11 and 12 over the cheek area and are held and firmly pressed thereon with the users hands, which hands are omitted from FIG. 1 so that the structure of the apparatus can be more clearly seen,

An individual pad 14 is shown in detail'in FIGS. 2-4, the pad including a body portion 16 which is placed against sheet 11 in use, body 16 being a resilient compressible body of a spongy material. Although the specific material used for body 16 has not been determined as critical, it should be of a resilient cellular material, e.g., the sponge rubbers or the flexible polyure thanes or polyethylenes of either open cell or closed cell configuration. It should be of sufficient firmness to cause sheet portion 11 to closely conform to and press against the surface of the users face and to allow sufficient pressurefrom the users hands to achieve the purpose of the apparatus without permitting so much compression that the outer shell, described below, contacts the face. As will be seen in FIG. 2,the edge which will be closest to the users nose can be slanted and shaped to comfortably and conveniently conform thereto.

A shell 17 of a somewhat stifier, more rigid material partially encases andcovers the outer surface of the sponge, the shell having an overall shape which conforms to the peripheral shape of body 16. A depending skirt l8 surrounds the outer portions of body 16 to assist in maintaining the shape thereof. However, skirt 18 is significantly shorter than the thickness of body l6 to prevent the possibility of the shell coming in contact with the face as body 16 is compressed. Shell 17 is also provided with a plurality of elongated ribs 19 which increase the stiffening effect of the shell and provide an improved gripping surface. The shell is also provided with a plurality of slots 20 of elongated form between the ribs for the purpose of permitting limited vapor permeation and the escape of air as the spongeis compressed. While the full function of the apparatus disclosed herein cannot be explained'in detail on a theoretical basis, the operation and use of the apparatus is relatively straightforward. The sheet 10 is simply placed across the face covering those areas, such as the cheeks and the regions immediately below the eyes which tend to become puffy and enlarged and the reduction of which is desired. The pressure pads, one in each hand, are then carefully placed on the sheetand pressure is applied. The pressure is maintained for an interval of several minutes while heat builds up under sheet 10.

The perspiration induced thereby and the pressure cooperate to effect a reduction of the size of the region treated, resulting in an appearance of firmer and more youthful facial tissues.

In order to obtain the maximum functional benefits from the apparatus of the invention, it should be applied in conjunction with appropriate exercise. Specifically, exerciseof the facial muscles, including the muscles invested in the subcutaneous facia and those in the dermis is performed immediately before and/or during use of the reducing apparatus and also always thereafter. Diligent exercise in conjunction with this apparatus has the beneficial effect of extending the effect of the reduction. Repetition of the use of this apparatus is contemplated but suitable exercise is effective to reduce the frequency thereof.

It should be recognized that the major effect on the users appearance results from the reduction of puffy areas, which reduction allows the features to more closely conform to the basic bone structure of the individuals face. Accompanying exercise of the dermis and subcutaneal fascia muscles concurrently tends topull the skin and other tissues tight, while the increased circulation gives a more youthful appearance.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus still including a sponge pad 16 and shell 17 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. However, in placeof sheet 13 an individual belt or sheet of plastic film 21 is connected individually to each pressure pad so that theseparate sheet need not be used. Sheet 21 is adhered to one edge of shell 17 along an edge 22 and at its other end to the depending skirt 18 along edge 23. The portion between ends 22 r and 23 extends relatively loosely around the major surface of pad 16 so as to contact the face of the user in the manner described with reference to sheet 13. The other pad is produced in a substantially identical fashion and has its own individual beltlike film 21. The manner of use of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantially identical to that described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

An advantageous aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the apparatus thus far described, in either embodiment, is combined with steam generating means of a conventional type. As shown in FIG. 7, a steam generator indicated generally at 25 includes a base portion 26 connectable to a source of electrical power and fillable with water through a fill opening 27. The water is electrically heated and converted into water vapor or low temperature steam, which steam is caused to flow upwardly through an inverted frustroconical hood portion 28. At the upper end of the hood 28 is a padded rim 29 which is intended to contact the users face.

This apparatus, usually refered to as a sauna device, can. be advantageously employed with the pads of the present invention. As generally illustrated in FIG. 7, the pads 30 and 31 are placed in the desired locations such as on the users face, and the face is then brought into the proximity of the rim 29 of the steam generating device. Depending upon the size of the upper opening of the steam device and upon the shape thereof, the pads can be held in place by hand or can be loosely maintained in the proper position by an elastic band, not shown. Because of the provision of slots 20 in shell 17, steam can penetrate the shell and enter the sponge, increasing the level of heating and improving the activity of the apparatus. For use in this manner, it is desirable that the sponge material be selected from the class of open celled urethanes.

The embodiment'of FIGS. 5 and 6 has an additional advantage when used in conjunction with steam generating means. The pressure pads, around which the plastic film is loosely connected, can be periodically separated from the face without, however, separating the film from the face, so as to admitadditional steam to the outside of the thin, nonporous plastic sheet. Additional heat is transferred to the sheet and to the facial or neck region under application. This technique results in a reduction in the total time of application and in improved efficiency of the operation. In conjunction with this, or the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, any convenient steam generating device is adequate, e.g., a pan of heated water.

While one advantageous embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined from the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A cosmetic device comprising at least one thin flexible sheet of nonporous material placeable on and in direct contact with a selected portion of face or neck to be affected; and

first and second pressure pads placeable against those portions of said sheet which cover the cheeks, each of said pressure pads comprising a resilient, compressible body of foamed spongy material; and

a support shell adhered to a major surface of said body parallel to the surface nearest the cheeks, said shell being of relatively stiff material, and

said shell having elongated stiffening ribs formed thereon.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said shell includes means defining a plurality of elongated slots therethrough to permit vapor permeation.

3. A device according to claim 2 and further comprismg steam generating means for providing steam to said bodies of spongy material through said elongated slots.

4. A device according to claim 1 having two of said sheets, each of said sheets being fastened at one end to first edge of one of said support shells of one of said pressure pads, and fastened at the other end to a second, opposite edge of said shell, the portion of said sheet intermediate said ends adapted for being disposed across and overlying the portion of the body of a spongy material closest to the users face;

. a v a: 

1. A cosmetic device comprising at least one thin flexible sheet of nonporous material placeable on and in direct contact with a selected portion of face or neck to be affected; and first and second pressure pads placeable against those portions of said sheet which cover the cheeks, each of said pressure pads comprising a resilient, compressible body of foamed spongy material; and a support shell adhered to a major surface of said body parallel to the surface nearest the cheeks, said shell being of relatively stiff material, and said shell having elongated stiffening ribs formed thereon.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said shell includes means defining a plurality of elongated slots therethrough to permit vapor permeation.
 3. A device according to claim 2 and further comprising steam generating means for providing steam to said bodies of spongy material through said elongated slots.
 4. A device according to claim 1 having two of said sheets, each of said sheets being fastened at one end to first edge of one of said support shells of one of said pressure pads, and fastened at the other end to a second, opposite edge of said shell, the portion of said sheet intermediate said ends adapted for being disposed across and overlying the portion of the body of a spongy material closest to the user''s face. 